recognition for RiP Latest News
In December 1996 Celia Atherton arrived on the Dartington Hall estate to set up research in practice as its first Director. Ten years on and research in practice is looking forward to celebrating the huge achievements of this first decade on January 31st. There is, however, a double cause for celebration with the awarding of the OBE to Celia in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to children and families.
Under Celia’s leadership research in practice has grown to become the largest children’s and families research implementation (or ‘use’) project in England and Wales. Since 1996 Celia has built up the research in practice team (based here in Dartington and with an office within the University of Sheffield) whose vision, commitment and application has placed research in practice firmly at the heart of local practice and national policy-making.
Speaking of her award, Celia comments:
"I am thrilled with this award - which has to be for everything and everyone that RiP is: an ambitious network of committed agencies and people working together to drive up the use of research evidence for the benefit of children and families. RiP was started ten years ago by local service agencies, and is owned by them. That ownership, ability to drive their own agenda, tell their own development story, and shape their journey towards better practice is what makes our work so distinctive and important."
Vaughan Lindsay, CEO, The Dartington Hall Trust is delighted to see Celia’s work recognised:
"This reward is richly deserved. This is great news for both Celia personally and for her teams here at Dartington and in Sheffield. RiP stands as testament to the Trust’s long-standing commitment to social justice and exemplifies how initiatives conceived here work well beyond our borders."
Annie Whiteley, Director of Children and Young People's Services for Devon County Council, congratulates Celia on this accolade and its recognition of research in practice’s contribution to national children’s policy:
"I have known Ceilia Atherton for a number of years and I am delighted that she has been honoured. Ceilia and Research in Practice have done an enormous amount to assist social care practitioners and leaders and are held in the highest regard.
She has developed the credible reputation of Research in Practice providing us with accessible and evaluated research findings to inform best practice.
Lately Celia and her team have made an enormous contribution to the development of national policy and an evidenced-informed approach to improving outcomes for Children and Young People. Her OBE is well deserved."
The research in practice 10th Anniversary celebrations will take place in the Great Hall at Dartington and are by invitation only.
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